(A/N: Moved from "Heart Beats All Day" into it's own. I just love this couple. I think they work so well. Enjoy!)

Disclaimer: I do not own "Cats the Musical". 'Cause if I did, it would be called "Cats the Fantabulously Epic Musical".

Inspiration: I'm a lover, not a fighter. But I'll fight for what I love.

A low growl emitted from the Maine Coon's throat as he watched the ginger tom grab her. He held her sickeningly close and ran his paws up and down her sides, occasionally tickling her under the chin with his hideously long claws. Bombalurina's eyes were as wide as a doe's, and it was obvious trying to struggle, but he kept her still.

"Why isn't Munk doing anything?" Tugger whispered harshly. He dug his own claws deeper into the ground before him, and felt the fur on the back of his neck bristle.

"I don't know; Tugger, please calm down!" Mistoffelees pleaded. He held onto the Maine Coon's upper arm, as if that would somehow keep him in place.

"Calm down? Calm down? How would you feel if your soon-to-be-mate was being molested by Macavity?"

The fact that the great Rum Tum Tugger had finally decided on commitment flew over the younger tom's head as he tried to keep his friend from killing himself.

"Bomba's a tough queen. She can handle this!" But little Misto's pleads were not enough, and soon Tugger shot out from his hiding place like a rocket, leaving the tuxedo tom praying to the Everlasting Cat at four and a half times the speed of sound.

Claws fully unsheathed, Tugger dug deep into Macavity's back, causing him to screech in pain. Bombalurina took advantage and scrambled away. The Hidden Paw spun around and instantly took a defensive stance, expecting Munkustrap or Alonzo. But when his eyes came to those of the Maine Coon, he lowered his arms and chortled at the ground.

"We-ell, this is a surprise. The Rum Tum Tugger, picking a fight with me. Oh, Tuggy, when are you going to learn that some toms just aren't made for fighting?" he asked in a mock-motherly tone.

"When you learn not to go around violating my queen!" Tugger responded with a grind of his teeth. He launched himself at Macavity again, only to be thrown hard to the right with a punch in the face. His leg made an uncomfortable POP when he landed. His mane gathered up mud and dust as he skidded to a halt, his sinuses exploding with every pulse. The outer edge of his eye started to swell, feeling like Mistoffelees had zapped it with electricity. Only not in the friendly, teasing way he usually did so. Tugger wanted to get up and punch Macavity right back, but he felt a paw on his back gently keep him down. He heard Munkustrap's voice growl along with Macavity's somewhat harmoniously as the fight continued.

"Tugger, you big idiot. You could have gotten yourself killed!" the scarlet queen scolded, though her tone clearly refused to follow, and gave off the impression that she was relieved he wasn't dead.

"Bomba?" he asked in a strained voice. He tried to look up at her, but his chest ached from the shock of the contact, and his leg could barely move. He groaned with anguish and squinted his eyes closed.

"Shh...take it easy," she soothed quietly. She lay herself down on her side so that she could face him, and started tenderly stroking the side of his face, being careful not to touch the swelled areas. "You big idiot..." she repeated in an affectionate tone.

With a weak arm, Tugger reached out and took Bombalurina's other paw in his, giving it a light squeeze.

Batting his eyelids furiously, he asked in a hoarse whisper, "Bomba...will you be...will you be my mate?" And then he plunged unconsciousness.

She didn't let go of his paw until he woke up.

The End